Mission and Tradition

Suzanne I. Doree

Professor

A passion for mathematics, teaching, and the city drew Professor Dorée to Augsburg. “My mother claims that I have always loved mathematics and teaching,” she relates, “Mathematics has always been the way I think about everything and I can’t imagine my life without it.” Working one-on-one with mathematics majors on undergraduate research projects in combinatorics allows Dorée to share her passion.

Dorée was drawn into teaching at an early age, starting in elementary school when she would design math review sheets for her friends. “To me,” she explains “the hallmark of a truly great teacher is the ability to transform students.” In her classes Dorée creates an environment that engages students in the learning process, challenges them, and supports them in their efforts. In addition to over twenty years teaching experience she brings a talent for helping students learn and a keen interest in her students well-being.

Growing up outside of New York City, Dorée was attracted to Augsburg’s urban location, as well as its reputation as a teaching institution serving a broad range of students. As an Augsburg professor, she teaches students at all levels of preparation. Her innovative approach to teaching developmental algebra reflects the reality that not all of her students want to be in a math class. In helping her students overcome math anxiety, Dorée has found that “making mathematics relevant to my students so that it makes sense to them is the secret. Our department is committed to this radical idea,” she asserts, “that everyone can learn mathematics.”